An estimated 70,000 – 80,000 people (according to the CGT union) had attended the main march which took place as the French government prepares to debate the controversial reforms in parliament.

“I do not ask for a change of the law, I ask for the total withdrawal of this law and to maintain hard won social progress for the people. I demand to have the right to live decently from one’s work,” said one protester.

The rally echoed several protests in recent weeks by trade unions. They say the reforms are an attack on workers’ rights. The government says more flexibility is needed to cut unemployment which is running at over 10 percent.